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We took super light Merrell shoes. I can't stand crocs and we hiked in the fall and needed something with more coverage.
http://renesusan2015.blogspot.ca/2015/09/preparation-packing.html
Hi MichaelC,
We planned our two rest days specifically to coincide with larger towns, markets, and stuff to do on the day off.
Our first rest day was in Figeac, where we slept in, visited the large market, did laundry, visited the Champollion museum and had a nice supper...
Some of the places will have "traversin" pillows and nothing else. These are cylindrical pillows, as long as the bed is wide. We couldn't figure out how to sleep with them, so I folded up my fleece and rested my head on that.
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traversin
Yes, we are Canadian.
Yes, my husband wore a Tilly hat.
He wore the LTF5:
http://www.tilley.com/us_en/review/product/list/id/2694
I don't wear a hat often enough to justify the cost of a new Tilly.
Happy Hat Shopping!
I'm with you on not wanting to eat out all the time.
We often had a quick coffee and some sort of pastry for breakfast, sometimes with yogurt which we bought with our lunch supplies. The spoons came in handy.
We had a pic-nic lunch everyday with whatever we could find, i.e. bread, cheese...
Yes, begin at Le Puy and walk to Conques in 10 days (we did it in 9). It is hilly, i.e. straight up and straight down, in some sections. But walking down into Conques was the best feeling, and staying at the abbeye in Conques was magical. A perfect ending to a 10 day trip.
P.S. the food at...
I bought a hat. I thought I'd never wear it.
Boy was I wrong.
Sun: The obvious reason for wearing a hat.
Rain: The hat kept light rain off my glasses.
Falling things: We walked the Le Puy route in October and through the forest of chestnut trees there were many falling chestnuts.
Dogs: Hat...
What a wonderful experience you've had at your age!
My advice: actively search out a job/career which gives you purpose, volunteer doing something meaningful, develop loving relationships and most importantly, give away the caring and kindness which you are craving, and it will be returned to you.
I would recommend Jenny and Keith's excellent blog:
http://walkinginfrance.info/pilgrimages/the-way-of-arles/
They have walked all over France, including Arles. They walked it summer 2012 and they camp in a tent.
The absolute joy experienced at our arrival in Conques. We walked Le Puy to Conques in 9 days and it was tough. I was so happy walking down into Conques and so proud that we had made it.
mascara (I know... I know.)
comb
hair gel
So exciting! We walked last October and loved every second.
As for the above items, I brought a comb and hair gel, but a tiny amount compared to what I normally use for my unruly, curly hair. It made me feel like a normal person. If the mascara makes...
Love your energy!
We were never without some sort of food in our packs, i.e. nuts and raisins, or baguette and cheese. France can be challenging for finding food. But so worth it, as you've already found out.
Getting food on Sunday/Monday and en route between towns can be quite challenging. Always have some sort of emergency food in your pack. We always had nut/raisin mix and it saved us a few times.
If you're not taking the demi-pension and want a coffee from a bar and a croissant (or two!) from...
Hi Michael,
We traveled in October and we were very glad that we had booked ahead as many places were closed for the season, both accommodation and restaurants/food shops.
The spontaneity which you are looking for will be easier in June.
I've attached our final travel document. Perhaps it will...
Definitely Le Sauvage. It was one of our magical nights. The food was all local and delicious (and made and served family style), and you are supporting a local farming cooperative by staying there.
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